There are materials of many kinds and qualities to floor a house, office, or business. Why are there people using bamboo, when it is impossible to even get one wood plank from a bamboo stem? Strand woven bamboo flooring isn’t like wood, that it is only sawn from logs because it is a stem.
One way to get a plank or a bamboo board is to cut the bamboo stem wall into small rectangular pieces and glue them using high temperature and pressure. This kind of arrangement doesn’t get the best of bamboo, especially using it as flooring. At the Janka Hardness Scale, bamboo compression rate is 1,380 lbf (6,100 N).
Another way to fabricate bamboo flooring is to make strand-woven bamboo flooring. This one is made by using glue, steam and pressure. It needs an industrial process to separate the fibers (strands) from the stem, and then they are stuck together using glue and a press to give them strength. By using this method, the strand is woven bamboo flooring has a compression rate of 3,000 lbf (13,000 N), more than double than natural bamboo.
Durability
Strand woven bamboo flooring is a really good flooring to be used in areas with high foot traffic or significant activity by pets and children. Due to its high resistance, can support fallen objects, and abrasion caused by footwork. Its compressive strength is healthier than concrete for human feet.
With time, strand woven bamboo flooring can get scratched and discolored, however, there is refinishing potential according to the thickness of the flooring. Refinishing the top layer can bring a new even look to the floor.
There are really few pests that attack naturally, Bamboo has a natural immunity that repels insects. This is why bamboo doesn’t grow under the influence of pesticides and keeps residences safe from termites and bugs.
Eco-Friendly
Bamboo is not wood, is grass, so it grows really fast and in many places around the world. The optimal age to harvest bamboo is five years when it reaches maturity. In a sustainably harvested forest only 20% of the forest is harvested each year, allowing for a 100% harvest in the five-year period. There is no need for irrigation, pesticides, or fertilizer when it grows in its natural environment. Bamboo certified meets the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and criteria for environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Bamboo can capture up to 70% more carbon per year than a hardwood forest. All of this helps to keep low its carbon footprint.
Where can be used?
Anywhere where wood is used, including basements, baths and kitchens. But as hardwood, it’s subject to the same risks of damage from excess dryness or moisture. Giving good maintenance, removing dust and cleaning it with a mop well squeezed, strand woven bamboo flooring can last decades.
Conclusion.
There is no perfect flooring, there are pros and cons with each material. If cost is the main variable, vinyl is a good choice. If durability is the main variable, concrete is a good choice. However, strand woven bamboo flooring is a good choice when balancing cost, durability, versatileness and good-looking.
